HIJRI CALENDAR HISTORY AND IMPORTANCE

The Islamic calendar is of great significance in the Muslim world, it begins with one of the most iconic events in Islamic history; Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) ‘Hijra’- the day he emigrated from Makkah to Madinah to set up his new social order. To this day, Muslims date everything starting from that migration nearly 1435 years ago.

As the Hijri New Year begins, we pray at Anjum Hotel Makkah, that 1442 brings peace, health and happiness to the world. May Allah protect us and bless us throughout the new year.

The Islamic calendar, which is based purely on lunar cycles, was introduced in 638 Christian Era (CE) by Umar ibn Al Khattab, a close companion of the Prophet (PBUH) and the second Caliph of Islam. The introduction of the calendar was rooted in the endeavor of rationalizing multiple, at times conflicting, dating systems being used during that time period.

The Islamic year reminds Muslims every year not of the pomp and glory of Islam but of its sacrifice, and prepares them to do the same. All the events of Islamic history, especially those which took place during the life of the Noble Prophet (PBUH) and afterwards, are quoted in the Hijra calendar era.

Hijri Calendar History and Importance

It is considered a divine command to use Hijra calendar with 12 (purely) lunar months without intercalation, as evident from the following verses of the Noble Quran (which mean): 

"They ask you [O Muhammad] about the new moons. Say, ‘They are measurements of time for the people and for Hajj’…" [Quran 2:189]

"Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve [lunar] months in the register of Allah [from] the day He created the heavens and the earth; of these, four are sacred. That is the correct religion, so do not wrong yourselves during them. And fight against the disbelievers collectively as they fight against you collectively. And know that Allah is with the righteous [who fear Him]. Indeed, the postponing [of restriction within sacred months] is an increase in disbelief by which those who have disbelieved are led [further] astray. They make it lawful one year and unlawful another year to correspond to the number made unlawful by Allah and [thus] make lawful what Allah has made unlawful. Made pleasing to them is the evil of their deeds; and Allah does not guide the disbelieving people." [Quran 9:36-37]

The Islamic Year Consists of 12 (Lunar) Months:

1. Muharram,
2. Safar,
3. Rabi Al-Awwal,
4. Rabi al Akhir,
5. Jamadi Al Awwal,
6. Jamadi Al Akhirah,
7. Rajab,
8. Sha'ban,
9. Ramadan,
10. Shawwal,
11. Thul Qa’dah
12. and Thul Hijjah.

Some of the Most Important Dates in the Islamic Year are:

• Muharram 1 (First day of the year);
• 27 Rajab (Al Israa Wal Mi'raj);
• 1 Ramadan (first day of fasting);
• 17 Ramadan (Battle of Badr);
• last 10 days of Ramadan which include Lailatul Qadar (Night of Power);
• 1 Shawwal (‘Eid Al Fitr);
• 8-10 Thul Hijjah (Hajj);
• and 10 Thul Hijjah (‘Eid Al Adha).

Many rewards and blessings can be gained throughout the Islamic year. We hope at Anjum Hotel Makkah that the months of Islamic calendar reminds us to increase our good deeds as Muslims. May Almighty Allah shower His blessings and mercy on all Muslims of the world!